Our volunteers across the country, including Ian Spence, far right, from the Fraser Valley West Branch, in B.C., were hard at work over a short federal election campaign to make Federal Retirees’ priorities known to the candidates.
On April 28, Canadians elected a new government. During this election, Federal Retirees called on all parties to prioritize building a future that supports and protects Canadians as they age.
Now we need the new federal government to develop a robust plan to enable a healthy, active and financially secure retirement — one that’s good for Canadians, for our communities and for the economy.
We’re working to get this message out to all members of Parliament (MPs) during their first 100 days in office. And we’ll be continuing when MPs return to the House of Commons, until older adults see the action they need.
The issues
Retirement income security: Members tell us income security during retirement is a top priority. That’s why our advocacy is focused on illuminating the findings of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ study titled The Power of Pensions, as well as defending public pensions and ensuring federal retirees’ retirement security.
Cost of living is a key issue for Canadians — and with good reason. Prices for essentials, such as health care, transportation and groceries, have increased. Surging prices and decreased availability mean more Canadian seniors face unaffordable or insecure housing. And with changes to international trade, there’s more pressure than before on the savings and purchasing power of seniors and people on fixed incomes. As such, financial security in retirement is critical — and that’s why Federal Retirees is calling for vision and action from the federal government to support economic security and quality of life in retirement.
Accessible, safe and quality long-term care: Our members tell us access to care all along the continuum is important. That’s why we’re focused on home, community and long-term care.
Quality and equitable health care along the continuum of care enables older Canadians to age with dignity and live where they choose. Most Canadians want to age in their home and communities, and when it’s needed, safe, quality, affordable long-term care must be available. To ensure quality, equitable and accountable care, national standards for long-term care and home and community care must be implemented and enforced in collaboration with the provinces and territories and tied to appropriate levels of funding. Focus should be on the care of older Canadians, not profit. It’s time for an evidence-based, forward-looking continuum of care that does that.
Strengthen health care: Members say they want — and need — improvements to health care. And so, our advocacy is focused on access to health care, an effective minister of older persons and a national aging and seniors strategy.
With an aging population, there is a need for robust infrastructure to support an active and healthy retirement for aging Canadians. The federal government can build that infrastructure with the provinces and territories by investing in access to health care, a national aging and seniors strategy, progress on pharmacare and by ensuring strong leadership by a minister of older persons or seniors. It’s good for Canadians, for our communities and the economy.
Veteran well-being: Our members are concerned about veteran well-being. That’s why we’re focused on it, and veteran heath. We are asking the government to undertake independent consultation that results in a plan for veteran well-being; ensures equity for women veterans; and addresses veteran homelessness.
Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for veterans with illness, injury or trauma, and
many have lost trust in the military and government systems that should support them.
Veterans need reliable, tailored support focused on improving equitable outcomes, including access to health care, housing, financial security and meaningful work. This must be grounded in dignity, respect and recognition.
Every member’s experience in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is different, so care and support should not be a one-size-fits-all approach.
While there’s no question progress has been made, more is needed. What is especially needed is strong leadership from a dedicated minister for veterans’ affairs.
That’s why a plan for veteran well-being is critical — and that’s why Federal Retirees is calling for vision and action from the federal government to support economic security and quality of life for all veterans.
The campaign
The first 100 days: For a new government, the first 100 days in office is a critical time. This is when the tone is set, priorities are established and momentum begins to build. For this government, the first 100 days began near the end of April and will take us through to early August. We’re using this crucial time to ramp up even further the momentum we built during the federal election campaign.
We’re amplifying the public presence of Federal Retirees with more features in the media and new content on our website and social media channels. This increased public presence brings greater credibility to our association and visibility to our priorities.
And, we’re working to meet all MPs, with a special focus on the prime minister, party leaders and cabinet as well as opposition critics with portfolios of particular importance to our priorities.
Following the first 100 days, we’ll next look to ensure Federal Retirees’ priorities are on the legislative agenda. We’ll keep up the momentum until older adults see the action they need.
How to get involved: We’re counting on members to support our important advocacy work. You can do this by visiting our website to learn more about our advocacy priorities, discussing these important issues with friends and family, following our social media channels and sharing our advocacy-related posts. Increasing awareness of Federal Retirees’ priorities and their importance will help us ensure older adults get the attention they deserve and support they need today and in the future.
Visit federalretirees.ca to learn more about our priorities and explore our advocacy tools, including letter templates, key messages, speaking points and questions to ask your local MP.
Join us in ensuring Federal Retirees’ priorities get the attention they deserve during the first 100 days of our new federal government and beyond.